Georgia’s Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Might Be Holding for You

If you’ve ever moved, changed jobs, switched banks, or lost track of an old account, there’s a chance Georgia’s Unclaimed Property Office is holding money or property in your name. This office is part of the Georgia Department of Revenue and is responsible for safekeeping unclaimed financial assets until the rightful owners (or their heirs) come forward.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and cannot check your unclaimed property or file a claim for you. This guide explains how the Georgia Unclaimed Property program typically works so you can follow up directly with the official state office.

What Is Georgia’s Unclaimed Property Office?

In Georgia, unclaimed property is generally handled by the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property Program.

In plain terms, this office:

• Receives and holds money and certain types of property that businesses could not return to the owner
• Keeps records of who the property belongs to
• Provides a way for people to search for their names
• Reviews claims and releases property to people who can prove ownership

The unclaimed property office is not a court, not a debt collector, and not a credit repair service. Its job is to protect and store property that has been lost, forgotten, or abandoned under Georgia law.

What Types of Property Does the Office Hold?

The Georgia Unclaimed Property Office mostly holds financial property, not physical items like cars or houses. Common examples include:

Common Types of Unclaimed Property

• Bank accounts

  • Savings or checking accounts you forgot about
  • Accounts from closed banks that still had a balance

• Uncashed checks

  • Payroll checks from former employers
  • Refund checks from utilities, insurance companies, or businesses
  • Vendor or commission checks

• Utility and service deposits

  • Utility deposits (electric, gas, water)
  • Cable, internet, or phone service deposits

• Insurance-related funds

  • Life insurance policy benefits that were never claimed
  • Refunds of premiums
  • Annuity payments not collected

• Investment-related property

  • Dividends from stocks or mutual funds
  • Proceeds from liquidated investment accounts
  • Some types of retirement accounts that became inactive (depending on rules)

• Safe deposit box contents

  • Jewelry, coins, documents, and other contents from abandoned safe deposit boxes
  • These are usually sold at auction after a certain time, but important documents may be retained or handled differently according to state policies

• Other credits and refunds

  • Store credits or gift certificates (in some situations)
  • Escrow refunds
  • Certain types of overpayments

What the Office Usually Does Not Hold

Some things are usually not treated as unclaimed property through this office, such as:

• Real estate (homes, land, buildings)
• Vehicles (cars, trucks, boats)
• Most physical personal property outside of safe deposit boxes
• Federal benefits (Social Security, VA benefits, etc.)

For those, you would generally need to contact other official agencies or local offices.

How Property Becomes “Unclaimed” in Georgia

Property does not go straight to the state as soon as it’s inactive. There is a waiting period called a dormancy period. The length of this period depends on the property type and Georgia law at that time, but some common patterns include:

1. No activity for a set period

   • Example: A bank account has no deposits, withdrawals, or clear owner contact for several years.
   • Example: An employer issues a paycheck that is never cashed.

2. The business tries to contact you

   • The holder (bank, employer, utility company, etc.) typically must send notices to your last known address or contact you if possible.

3. If there’s still no response, the property is turned over to the state

   • The business reports the property to the Georgia Unclaimed Property Office.
   • The state then becomes the custodian for the property until the right person claims it.

The ownership does not change just because the property goes to the state. The state is holding it for you or your heirs.

Who Can Claim Georgia Unclaimed Property?

You may be able to claim property if you are:

• The person named on the account, check, or policy
• A legal heir of someone who has died
• A court-appointed representative of an estate (executor, administrator, personal representative)
• A business owner or authorized representative of a business that is listed as the owner
• A trustee or representative of a trust or organization named on the account

In most cases, the Georgia Unclaimed Property Office will want to see that:

• You are who you say you are, and
• You are the same person (or legal successor) as the name listed on the unclaimed property.

That’s where required documents come in.

Documents You May Need to Claim Property

Specific document requirements can vary by case, but people are commonly asked for some mix of the following:

For Individuals

• Proof of identity

  • Current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)

• Proof of Social Security number

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document (like a W-2 or 1099) showing your full SSN

• Proof of address or connection to the reported address

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Old documents showing the same address as the one listed in the unclaimed property record

• Name change documents, if needed

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order showing a legal name change

For Heirs or Estates

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has died, you may also need:

• Death certificate of the property owner
• Will or estate documents
  • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
  • Court order appointing you as executor or personal representative
• Proof of relationship
  • Birth certificate (for parent/child relationship)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
  • Other legal records that show family connection

For Businesses or Organizations

If the owner is a business, trust, or organization:

• Proof of authority to act
  • Corporate resolution
  • Business license
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Trust agreement
• Tax ID number (EIN) and possibly:
  • Old business bank statements
  • Other documents showing that the business existed and used the address or account in question

Quick Reference: Typical Claim Situations and Documents

*The exact requirements are set by the Georgia Unclaimed Property Office and may vary by case. Always follow the instructions on the official claim forms.

How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Georgia

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot search or look up unclaimed property for you. To check if you have money waiting, you would typically:

1. Go to the official Georgia unclaimed property website

   • Make sure the site clearly shows it is run by the State of Georgia or the Georgia Department of Revenue.
   • Avoid sites that charge a fee just to search your name.

2. Use the online search tool

   • Enter your last name and first name.
   • Try variations of your name (maiden name, middle initial, former married names).
   • Search old addresses or cities where you used to live or work, if the website allows that filter.

3. Search for relatives and past businesses

   • Many people discover unclaimed property for parents, grandparents, or closed businesses.
   • Claims on behalf of someone else usually require extra documents.

If you are not comfortable using a computer, you can usually:

• Call the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property Office using the phone number listed on the state’s official site.
• Ask for help with a manual search or for guidance on how to submit a claim by mail.

How to File a Claim with the Georgia Unclaimed Property Office

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a claiming portal. To file a claim, you will need to go through Georgia’s official channels. The typical process looks like this:

1. Identify the property record

   • After searching your name on the official site, you’ll see a list of matches.
   • Select the item that appears to belong to you (check the address, business name, employer, or type of account listed).

2. Start a claim request

   • Most state systems allow you to create an online claim and then print or upload forms.
   • You may need to provide basic contact info (address, phone, email).

3. Gather your supporting documents

   • Use the list provided by the official site after you start the claim.
   • Collect copies of IDs, proof of address, legal documents, and any other requested records.

4. Submit your claim and documents

   • Depending on the system, you may:
     • Upload documents online, or
     • Print, sign, and mail them to the Georgia Unclaimed Property Office, or
     • In some cases, provide documents in person, if allowed.

5. Keep copies

   • Always keep copies of everything you submit, including forms and identification documents.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

After you submit a claim, the Georgia Unclaimed Property Office typically:

• Reviews your documents for completeness and accuracy
• Verifies your identity and your connection to the property
• Checks for conflicts (for example, if two people claim the same item)

Then they may:

• Approve the claim and issue payment (often by check or direct deposit, depending on their current process), or
• Request more information, or
• Deny the claim if they cannot verify that you are the rightful owner or representative

Typical Timelines

Processing time can vary based on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• Whether your documentation is complete
• How complex your case is (for example, large estates or disputed ownership)

If you are concerned about delays, you can usually:

• Call the official Unclaimed Property Office phone number listed on the state site
• Provide your claim number and ask about the status

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

People sometimes face slowdowns or denials for reasons such as:

• Missing documents
  • Not providing a required ID, SSN proof, or address verification
• Name mismatch
  • The name on the claim is different from the property record, and no legal document explains the change
• Not enough proof of connection
  • The address or business name in the record cannot be clearly tied to you or your organization
• Incomplete forms
  • Forms not signed, not dated, or missing fields
• Estate issues
  • No official proof that the claimant represents the deceased owner’s estate

You can often fix these issues by:

• Carefully reviewing the instructions from the official office
• Submitting additional documents that clearly connect you to the property
• Working with an attorney or legal aid if the case involves complex estate or business questions

Can You Appeal a Denial?

If your claim is denied, you are not always out of options. Typically, you can:

• Request an explanation from the Georgia Unclaimed Property Office
• Ask for guidance on what additional documents might be needed
• In some situations, re-file the claim with better or more complete evidence
• If the dispute involves legal questions (for example, who is the rightful heir), consider speaking with:
  • A private attorney
  • A legal aid organization in Georgia
  • The probate court, if it is an estate issue

The exact appeal or review process is set by Georgia state law and policy, so it is important to follow the directions given in any denial notice.

Is There a Deadline to Claim Unclaimed Property in Georgia?

In most states, including Georgia, unclaimed property laws are custodial. That usually means:

• The state holds the property until the rightful owner or heir comes forward.
• There is typically no strict deadline for making a claim once the property has been sent to the state.

However:

• Some safe deposit box contents may be sold after a certain time, with the proceeds (money from the sale) held for the owner.
• Rules can change, so always check with the official Georgia Unclaimed Property Office for the most current policies.

Do You Have to Pay to Claim Your Property?

In Georgia, there is typically no fee charged by the state to:

• Search for your name in the official unclaimed property system
• File a claim directly with the state

However, some people choose to work with:

• “Finders” or “heir locator” services that offer to find and claim property for a fee or percentage

If you consider using such a service:

• Understand that they are not required to get your property back.
• You can usually do the search and claim yourself for free through the official Georgia system.
• Read any contract very carefully, and never pay large up-front fees without verifying the service and your rights.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Georgia Channel

Because unclaimed property involves money, scams do exist. To protect yourself:

• ✅ Check the website carefully

  • Look for clear identification that the site belongs to the State of Georgia or the Georgia Department of Revenue.
  • Avoid sites that look unofficial or ask for fees just to search.

• ✅ Verify contact information

  • Cross-check phone numbers and mailing addresses with those listed on Georgia’s main government or Department of Revenue sites.

• ✅ Be cautious with personal data

  • You will have to provide sensitive information (like SSN or ID copies) to the official office at some point, but be very careful about sharing this with any third-party service.

• ✅ Watch for high-pressure tactics

  • Scammers may say you must act immediately or lose the property. In most custodial unclaimed property systems, the state will hold your property for you until you claim it.

If you are unsure whether a site or contact is legitimate, you can:

• Call the main Georgia Department of Revenue number (listed on the official state site) and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property division.
• Ask a trusted local resource, like a public library, legal aid office, or consumer protection office, to help you verify.

What If You Don’t Qualify or There Is No Property in Your Name?

If you search and don’t see any property listed for you in Georgia:

• Try searching:
  • Old names (maiden name, prior married name)
  • Prior addresses where you lived or worked
  • States where you previously lived, using those states’ official unclaimed property websites

If you still do not find anything:

• That usually just means there is no reported unclaimed property in your name at this time.
• You might check again every few years, especially after major life events (moving, changing jobs, closing accounts).

If you were expecting to see certain property that does not appear:

• Contact the business or institution that held the funds (bank, employer, insurer) and ask what happened.
• If they say the funds were turned over to the state, confirm the details and follow up with the Georgia Unclaimed Property Office.

Key Takeaways

• The Georgia Unclaimed Property Office, managed through the Georgia Department of Revenue, holds financial assets that businesses could not return to their owners.
• It commonly holds old bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, investment-related funds, and safe deposit box contents.
• You may claim property if you are the named owner, a legal heir, or an authorized representative of a business or estate, but you must provide proof of identity and ownership.
• Searching and claiming directly through Georgia’s official channels is generally free, and you do not need to use a third-party service.
• HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims, but you can use this information to approach the official Georgia Unclaimed Property Office with the right documents and expectations.

Use the steps above to search for your name, gather your documents, and work directly with the official Georgia office to see whether the state is holding anything that belongs to you or your family.